The Dalmatian is believed to have its origin in a coastal province of the Austrian Empire called Dalmatia, known today as Croatia, around 1300 A.D. It was from this area that the breed received its name.  The Dalmatian’s spotted legacy is recorded in ancient Italian and Egyptian art.

Dalmatians were imported into England in the 18th century, where they became very popular.  Through the years, the Dalmatian has served many duties.  They have been used as draft, shepherd, and hunting dogs by farmers, and in wartime as sentinel and attack dogs.  However, the most popular use was as a coach dog.  The aristocratic lords of England naturally adopted their distinctive and dignified appearance.  Many coaches had one or more Dalmatians in attendance.  The dogs would ride next to the coachman or trot under the front or rear axle or between the horses.  Their natural stamina, speed and agility made them ideal companions to the horses and coach.  Their protective instincts were a great asset to the coach's occupants, especially while traveling in the less desirable areas of the country.

During the period of horse-drawn fire apparatus, the Dalmatians' skill and loyalty ensured them a place in fire service history.  The Dalmatian served multiple roles in the fire service.  At the station, they would root out rats, protect horses and equipment from vandals, vagrants and thieves, and act as loyal companions.  On fire calls, they would run with horse teams to clear people and dogs from their path.  Once on the scene, the Dalmatians kept the horses calm, and warded off any unwanted dogs, and ensured that nothing was stolen from the apparatus.

Today, the Dalmatian is considered the firefighters’ companion and the traditional mascot of the fire service.  Dalmatians can be found in firehouses around the world, continuing to serve as a guard dog and companion to the firefighters and equipment that adopted them centuries before.  Their aristocratic good looks, low maintenance, high energy, unrelenting loyalty and bravery make them well-suited to the fire service.  Occasionally, they can still be seen riding on an apparatus to fire calls.